I am a creep in a videoke joint
by Tuna on Feb.20, 2008, under Fishy Life
One of the reason why I like to watch American Idol (the 1st 3 espisodes of each season) is because it is extremely funny to see people who cannot sing trying to make it to the top. I have not seen the Filipino Idol yet… but I bet it won’t be funny. This is all because of videoke.
After being to a videoke joint in Mintal, a suburban area in Davao where University of Philippines Mindanao is, I would actually believe that the next Filipino Idol could be born there.
A videoke joint in the Philippines resembles a kopitiam that sell alcohol with a machine in the middle that have a big ass TV screen, some buttons that look like the control of a arcade machine with microphone attached to the side, and the machine comes with kick ass loud speakers on the front. That, is a videoke machine that define the place.
For 3 Pesos a song, the customers of the joint can sing all their heart out. No private rooms, no limit and no place for the shy faces. Beer is the top selling beverage (and some local Whisky too) and for me… it is truly a new Asian experience for me. I strongly suggest our beloved Truly Asia country to include this as a new tourist attraction in Malaysia.
It was raining outside, so Claire, her boy friend Neno, her sister Pearl and I moved into the videoke shop. There was a pakcik (majority of the people here look like Malays) who sits at the corner chatting with his friend. In singlet, shorts and slippers, he dropped some Pesos into the videoke machine and started singing. Whoa… he did a rather good Tom Jones number. You really truly cannot judge a book from the cover.
All Pinoy can sing. This is the fact that does not need science to back it up. The UP Mindanao students were the stars of the night. I really felt the pressure as I was expected to “perform” at least one song for the night. I told Neno, I needed more beer in order to do that. At least a few liters. After gulping a few more glasses, served in small glasses like China, I finally got the nerve to check the song catalog. People were cheering.
Well, I picked “Creep” by Radiohead. I am a creep. I am a weirdo. What the hell I am doing here? I don’t belong here. I don’t belong here. Everybody laughed.
It was fun week with the shiny happy people of Davao! Claire and gang really enjoyed the videoke session. Everyone was tipsy. Well, we definitely had a lot of beer. I really hope our toursim ministry will replicate the videooke joints here in Bolehland or our friendly neighbour will snatch some tourists away. Cheers!
February 20th, 2008 on 7:57 am
Interesting play list Tom jones & Radiohead’s Creep.
Lucky for you that Creep was there. In some places butchering a ktv favourite like Hotel California is a capital offence
February 20th, 2008 on 9:12 am
I am so happy that you finally found your calling. Hahahaha! What is important is that you enjoyed and made many people happy around you. Thanks for visiting our country. Hope to see you next time you come back.
February 21st, 2008 on 12:37 am
Sam your handwriting is…awesome. heh heh
February 21st, 2008 on 12:49 am
Sorry to disappoint you Jue… I use PS to add the text. it is a handwriting font.
February 21st, 2008 on 2:56 pm
haha..Did you visit our campus? I mean the UP Mindanao campus? So what do you think? Oh and when you mentioned that “all pinoys can sing”, I suddenly wondered whether I’m a true pinoy or not. haha…count me out.. glad u now have the english blog..
February 21st, 2008 on 3:14 pm
Yes Ela. They are renovating it now. Small campus with great teachers. Love it.
Ela, you’re just being modest. You can sing! hehe.
February 21st, 2008 on 5:09 pm
hahaha..I had to laugh on that Sam. I totally cannot sing. I think I was sleeping when the talent for singing was showered all over.hehe.. :p Anyway, glad you enjoyed your stay in Davao. Of course with Claire around, I bet you surely had fun.
February 24th, 2008 on 11:18 pm
thanks ella. i actually feel like it was lacking since i wasn’t full of energy the time sam was there. but hope he did have fun.
hey, sam, i blogged about your videoke night and posted a picture of you too. bleh.
February 24th, 2008 on 11:19 pm
and i think i tracked the entry back to this entry. not sure…
February 25th, 2008 on 9:55 pm
happy to know you enjoyed davao Sam! more videoke next time you come back!